Locke Unplugged

Suspicions that David Locke will be soft on the Jazz on his afternoon radio show, because he’s also the team’s play-by-play guy, could well be unfounded.

At least that seems the early analysis.

Locke, who was recently named the successor to Hot Rod Hundley, was on a roll, Monday, ranting about Carlos Boozer and the Jazz forward’s campaign to force the team into trading him. But manipulating teams, Boozer told a Miami radio station, is “not my style.”

That sent Locke into hysterics, and he wasn’t shy about saying so.

He also spent considerable time musing over the fact the Jazz could well end up starting the season with Boozer. And it’s true, the Jazz would be dumb to give Boozer away, until they absolutely have no other options.

Right now they have a very good option: Waiting until the trade deadline in February, if necessary.

What does this mean? That Locke is indeed bringing an interesting new twist to the job of play-by-play announcer. In the past, most play-by-play guys were reluctant to openly criticize players. That’s understandable, because they were paid by the team and traveled with it. But Locke – who is continuing his drive-time afternoon radio show on 1320-KFAN – apparently isn’t worried about that.

He’s been calling ‘em as he sees ‘em.

Which may offend some, but in the long run is probably a good thing for Jazz fans – an announcer who can get after the Jazz when necessary. No matter who owns the radio station.